Chelsea have previously struggled badly at the back in their captain’s absence but Cech, who has worn the armband in the absence of Terry and Frank Lampard, is confident losing the defender for another extended spell would not derail their season.

He said: “We managed to play games without him and we have players who will have a chance to impress.

“I have confidence. Obviously, it’s a pity we will lose him again but we have a large squad and quality defenders to deal with that.

“It’s important to have people who can step up. This is a chance for the others to shine and we are going to deal with his loss for him.”

Terry has demonstrated supreme powers of recovery in the past, coming back from minor surgery on the same knee weeks ahead of schedule last season.

Cech added: “He knows what it takes to come back in good shape and as soon as possible. He always heals well.”

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